Max is an initiated man of theYuin Nation. He grew up as part of a close community on the South Coast of NSW where some boys and young men were still selected for initiation into ancient ways. Now an elder and seeing the widespread marginalisation of his people and lack of acceptance of traditional teachings, he began what has become his life’s work – providing a way for others to understand Aboriginal culture.

Over the past three decades, he has taken thousands of people onto country – teaching international students, architects, environmentalists, government ministers and advisers, medical practitioners and researchers his traditional culture. He has been consulted by government on land rights issues and shared the podium at major events with spiritual leaders from around the world, including the Dalai Lama. In 2009 he presented at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne.

Indigenous Literacy Day is Wednesday the 4th September. This day is to highlight the need for resources to help encourage and support reading in indigenous communities, both in traditional languages and English. It is coordinated by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.